Generating device

Abstract

The present invention provides a generating apparatus capable of suppressing damage to the cathode-side diaphragm and / or the anode-side diaphragm. The generating apparatus (1) comprises: an electrolytic cell (5) having chambers (6, 7, 8) separated by a cathode-side diaphragm (11) and an anode-side diaphragm (12); and a membrane protection structure (75) that suppresses damage to the cathode-side diaphragm (11) and / or the anode-side diaphragm (12). The electrolytic cell (5) comprises: a pair of cover members (41) having recesses (51) dividing a cathode chamber (6) and an anode chamber (7); a partition wall (42) having an opening (61) dividing an intermediate chamber (8), the partition wall (42) being sandwiched between the cover members (41) with the cathode (13), anode (14), cathode-side diaphragm (11), and anode-side diaphragm (12) in between; and sealing members (43, 44) that watertightly seal the gap between the cover members (41) and the partition wall (42). The membrane protection structure (75) includes a protrusion formed from the sealing members (43, 44) beyond the edge of the recess (51) or the edge of the opening (61) into the chambers (6, 7, 8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for generating electrolyzed water. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, there were known water electrolysis generating devices, such as those described in Patent Document 1 below.

[0003] The conventional water electrolysis generator is formed by dividing the electrolysis cell into two or three chambers by a pair of housing components for housing electrodes and a partition wall sandwiched between these housing components, and generates electrolyzed water by energizing each electrode.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-16346 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] The aforementioned water electrolysis generators cannot properly generate electrolyzed water when the diaphragm is damaged, such as by rupture, requiring diaphragm replacement and other maintenance. Therefore, it is desirable to suppress diaphragm damage in the long term.

[0009] The present invention was made in view of the point that its object is to provide a generating device capable of suppressing damage to the diaphragm.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] The generating apparatus of the present invention uses a diaphragm and a pair of powered electrodes to generate electrolyzed water, wherein the generating apparatus has: an electrolytic cell having a plurality of chambers separated by the diaphragm; and a membrane protection structure that inhibits damage to the diaphragm, the electrolytic cell having: a pair of cover members having recesses dividing the chambers; a partition wall having openings dividing the chambers, the partition wall being sandwiched between the cover members across the electrodes and the diaphragm; and a sealing member that watertightly seals the gap between the cover members and the partition wall, the membrane protection structure including a protrusion that protrudes into the chamber from the sealing member beyond the edge of the recess or the edge of the opening.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to the present invention, damage to the diaphragm can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the generating apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the aforementioned generating device.

[0016] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram of the aforementioned generating apparatus.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the cover component of the aforementioned generating device.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the cover component of the aforementioned generating device.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the partition wall of the aforementioned generating device.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a front view of a cover component of the aforementioned generating device, shown from the side of the partition.

[0021] Figure 8 Is with Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of position II.

[0022] Figure 9 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the aforementioned generating apparatus.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a front view showing the membrane protection component of the above-described generating apparatus.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a longitudinal sectional view showing a portion of the aforementioned membrane protection component.

[0025] Figure 12 (a) is a perspective view showing an example of the above-described generating apparatus. Figure 12 (b) is a perspective view showing another example of the above-described generating apparatus.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the sealing component of the generating apparatus according to the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] exist Figure 3 In the text, 1 represents a device for generating electrolyzed water (electrolyzed water generating device). The generating device 1 is, for example, a three-chamber electrolysis device (hypochlorous acid water generating device) for generating at least hypochlorous acid water (electrolyzed bacterial water) as acidic electrolyzed water by electrolysis of brine as an electrolyte.

[0029] The generating apparatus 1 has a three-chamber electrolytic cell (electrolysis unit) 5. The electrolytic cell 5 has a cathode chamber 6 as one electrode chamber (first electrode chamber), an anode chamber 7 as another electrode chamber (second electrode chamber), and an intermediate chamber 8 located between these cathode chambers 6 and anode chambers 7.

[0030] The cathode chamber 6 and the intermediate chamber 8 are separated by a cathode-side diaphragm 11, which serves as a first diaphragm (i.e., an ion exchange membrane). The anode chamber 7 and the intermediate chamber 8 are separated by an anode-side diaphragm 12, which serves as another ion exchange membrane (i.e., a second diaphragm). That is, the electrolytic cell 5 is divided into three chambers 6, 7, and 8 by two membranes 11 and 12.

[0031] Furthermore, a plate-shaped cathode 13, serving as an electrode (first electrode), is disposed within the cathode chamber 6, and is close to and opposite the cathode-side diaphragm 11. A plate-shaped anode 14, serving as another electrode (second electrode), is disposed within the anode chamber 7, and is close to and opposite the anode-side diaphragm 12. Power supply units for supplying electricity are connected to these cathodes 13 and anodes 14.

[0032] In addition, the generating device 1 has a brine supply unit 21 that supplies brine as an electrolyte to the intermediate chamber (electrolyte chamber) 8 of the electrolytic cell 5.

[0033] The brine supply unit 21 includes a tank 22 for storing brine, a supply pipe 23 for supplying the brine in the tank 22 to the intermediate chamber 8, a pump installed in the middle of the supply pipe 23, and a return pipe 25 for returning the brine in the intermediate chamber 8 to the tank 22. Furthermore, it is not limited to... Figure 3 The circulating structure shown can also be a structure that does not circulate the electrolyte.

[0034] Furthermore, the generating device 1 includes: a water supply unit 31, which supplies water (e.g., tap water from a water softener) as raw water for electrolysis to the cathode chamber 6 and anode chamber 7 of the electrolytic cell 5; and an electrolyzed water discharge unit 32, which discharges the electrolyzed water generated in the cathode chamber 6 and anode chamber 7 of the electrolytic cell 5 to the outside of the electrolytic cell 5.

[0035] The water supply unit 31 has a first supply pipe 33 for supplying water to the cathode chamber 6, which is the first electrode chamber, and a second supply pipe 34 for supplying water to the anode chamber 7, which is the second electrode chamber.

[0036] The electrolyzed water discharge unit 32 has a first discharge pipe 36 for discharging alkaline electrolyzed water (NaOH aqueous solution) generated in the cathode chamber 6 and a second discharge pipe 37 for discharging acidic electrolyzed water (hypochlorous acid aqueous solution) generated in the anode chamber 7.

[0037] Then, the generating device 1 operates the pump of the brine supply unit 21 to supply brine to the intermediate chamber 8 of the electrolytic cell 5 from the supply pipe 23, and supplies water to the cathode chamber 6 and anode chamber 7 of the electrolytic cell 5 from the first supply pipe 33 and the second supply pipe 34 of the water supply unit 31. At the same time, negative voltage and positive voltage are applied to the cathode 13 and anode 14 respectively from the power supply unit.

[0038] Sodium ions (Na+) ionize in the saline solution flowing into intermediate chamber 8. + The water is drawn to the cathode 13 and flows into the cathode chamber 6 through the cathode-side diaphragm 11. Then, as described below, in the cathode chamber 6, the water in the cathode 13 is decomposed to obtain caustic soda water.

[0039] H2O + 2e － →1 / 2H₂ + OH⁻ －

[0040] Na + +e － →Na

[0041] Na+OH － →NaOH + e －

[0042] Additionally, chloride ions (Cl-) ionize in the saline solution within intermediate chamber 8. - The chloride ions are attracted to the anode 14 and flow into the anode chamber 7 through the anode-side diaphragm 12. Then, as described below, chloride ions are reduced in the anode 14 to produce chlorine gas, which reacts with water in the anode chamber 7 to produce hypochlorous acid water.

[0043] H₂O→2H⁺ + 1 / 2O₂ + 2e⁻ －

[0044] 2Cl － →Cl2+2e －

[0045]

[0046] The resulting caustic soda solution is discharged from the cathode chamber 6 through the first discharge pipe 36, and the hypochlorous acid solution is discharged from the anode chamber 7 through the second drain pipe 37.

[0047] Next, the detailed structure of generating device 1 will be explained.

[0048] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the generating device 1 is constructed by combining a pair of outer plates 41 that serve as cover components and a partition wall 42 sandwiched between these outer plates 41 in a watertight manner via sealing components 43 and 44.

[0049] The outer plate 41 is provided with a cathode outer plate 41a covering one side of the partition wall 42, the cathode-side diaphragm 11, and the cathode 13, and an anode outer plate 41b covering the other side of the partition wall 42, the anode-side diaphragm 12, and the anode 14. In this embodiment, the cathode outer plate 41a and the anode outer plate 41b are configured to be substantially symmetrical or approximately symmetrical with respect to the partition wall 42. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, these structures will be uniformly described as the structure of the outer plate 41.

[0050] The outer plate 41 is formed into a quadrilateral shape when viewed from the front by a synthetic resin or the like. The outer plate 41 has an outer shape that is equal to or approximately equal to that of the partition wall 42. In this embodiment, the outer plate 41 has a rectangular shape that has a length direction in the vertical direction. A cathode 13 and a cathode-side diaphragm 11 are disposed between the cathode outer plate 41a and the partition wall 42, and an anode 14 and an anode-side diaphragm 12 are disposed between the anode outer plate 41b and the partition wall 42. A recess 51 is formed on the side of the outer plate 41 on the partition wall 42 side. The recess 51 is recessed in the thickness direction of the outer plate 41. The recess 51 of the cathode outer plate 41a forms a cathode chamber 6, and the recess 51 of the anode outer plate 41b forms an anode chamber 7. In this embodiment, the recess 51 is formed into a quadrilateral shape that has a length direction in the vertical direction. A cathode chamber 6 is defined between the recess 51 of the cathode outer plate 41a and the cathode-side diaphragm 11, and an anode chamber 7 is defined between the recess 51 of the anode outer plate 41b and the anode-side diaphragm 12. The cathode 13 and the cathode-side diaphragm 11 are positioned to at least cover the width of the recess 51 of the cathode outer plate 41a, and the anode 14 and the anode-side diaphragm 12 are positioned to at least cover the width of the recess 51 of the anode outer plate 41b.

[0051] In addition, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, a supply port 52 is formed at the lower part of the outer plate 41, and a discharge port 53 is formed at the upper part. The supply port 52 opens downwards, and the discharge port 53 opens upwards. The supply port 52 is located below the recess 51, and the discharge port 53 is located above the recess 51. In this embodiment, the supply port 52 and the discharge port 53 are located at the same or approximately the same position on the short side of the outer plate 41. That is, the supply port 52 and the discharge port 53 are located on the same vertical line or approximately on the same vertical line. Figure 3 As shown, the supply port 52 is connected to the water supply section 31, and the discharge port 53 is connected to the electrolyzed water discharge section 32. That is, the supply port 52 and the discharge port 53 of the cathode outer plate 41a are connected to the first supply pipe 33 and the first discharge pipe 36, and the supply port 52 and the discharge port 53 of the anode outer plate 41b are connected to the second supply pipe 34 and the second discharge pipe 37.

[0052] Furthermore, the supply port 52 and the recess 51 are connected by a supply piping structure 54, which is a piping structure, and the recess 51 and the outlet 53 are connected by a discharge piping structure 55, which is a piping structure. The supply piping structure 54 and the discharge piping structure 55 are respectively formed as passageways on the outer plate 41. Through these structures, water is supplied from the water supply section 31 from below to the cathode chamber 6 and the anode chamber 7 via the supply port 52 and the supply piping structure 54, and the generated electrolyzed water is discharged from above via the discharge piping structure 55 and the outlet 53. That is, water is supplied and discharged relative to the cathode chamber 6 and the anode chamber 7 in the direction along the cathode 13, anode 14, cathode-side diaphragm 11, and anode-side diaphragm 12.

[0053] Preferably, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a branch portion 56 is formed on the outer plate 41 within the recess 51. The branch portion 56 branches off the cathode chamber 6 and anode chamber 7 in directions intersecting or perpendicular to the water supply direction and the electrolyzed water discharge direction. The branch portion 56 is formed as a long rib that is linearly connected in the long side direction of the recess 51, i.e., the water supply direction and the electrolyzed water discharge direction, i.e., the vertical direction. More preferably, multiple branch portions 56 are provided. In this embodiment, three or more branch portions 56 are provided in directions intersecting or perpendicular to the water supply direction and the electrolyzed water discharge direction in the cathode chamber 6 and anode chamber 7; in the illustrated example, four are provided. These branch portions 56 are equally spaced and arranged parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The branch portions 56 are located within... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The position is separated from the edge of the recess 51 in the left-right and up-down directions. Branch flow paths 57 are formed between the branch sections 56 and 56 and between the edge of the recess 51 and the branch section 56, respectively. Between the upper and lower parts of the branch section 56 and the edge of the recess 51, confluence sections 58 and 59 are formed in the direction of intersecting with the branch flow paths 57 for the branch flow paths 57 to merge.

[0054] Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 6The partition wall 42 shown is an intermediate frame between the cathode outer plate 41a and the anode outer plate 41b. The partition wall 42 is formed from synthetic resin or the like, and has a quadrilateral shape when viewed from the front. The partition wall 42 has a shape equal to or approximately equal to that of the outer plate 41. In this embodiment, the partition wall 42 has a length direction in the vertical direction. On the inner side of the partition wall 42, an opening 61 extending through the partition wall 42 in the thickness direction is formed along one and the other side. The opening 61 forms an intermediate chamber 8. The intermediate chamber 8 is divided between the opening 61 and the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and the anode-side diaphragm 12. The opening 61 has a shape equal to or approximately equal to that of the recess 51. Through the opening 61, the partition wall 42 becomes frame-shaped or border-shaped. The opening 61 is located at the center of the partition wall 42 when viewed from the front.

[0055] A supply port 62 is formed at the lower part of the partition wall 42, and a discharge port 63 is formed at the upper part. The supply port 62 opens downward, and the discharge port 63 opens upward. In this embodiment, the supply port 62 and the discharge port 63 are located at the same or approximately the same position in the short side direction of the partition wall 42. That is, the supply port 62 and the discharge port 63 are located on the same vertical line or approximately on the same vertical line. In addition, the supply port 62 and the discharge port 63 are located at a position that is offset from the supply port 52 and the discharge port 53 of the outer plate 41 in the short side direction.

[0056] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the supply port 62 and the discharge port 63 are connected to the brine supply unit 21. The supply port 62 is connected to the supply piping 23, and the discharge port 63 is connected to the return piping 25. The supply port 62 and the opening 61 are connected by the supply piping structure 64, and the opening 61 and the discharge port 63 are connected by the discharge piping structure 65. The supply piping structure 64 and the discharge piping structure 65 are respectively formed as passageways on the outer plate 41. Through these structures, brine is supplied from the brine supply unit 21 from below via the supply port 62 and the supply piping structure 64, and discharged from above via the discharge piping structure 65 and the discharge port 63, relative to the intermediate chamber 8. That is, brine is supplied and discharged relative to the intermediate chamber 8 along the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and the anode-side diaphragm 12.

[0057] Figure 1 , Figures 7 to 9 The sealing component 43 shown and Figure 10The sealing member 44 shown seals the gap between the outer plate 41 and the partition wall 42 in a watertight manner. The sealing members 43 are respectively disposed between the periphery of the cathode outer plate 41a and the periphery of the cathode 13, between the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and the partition wall 42, between the partition wall 42 and the anode-side diaphragm 12, and between the periphery of the anode 14 and the periphery of the anode outer plate 41b. The sealing members 44 are disposed between the periphery of the sealing member 43 and the periphery of the partition wall 42, and between the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and the partition wall 42, and between the anode-side diaphragm 12 and the partition wall 42.

[0058] The sealing member 43 is formed into a planar shape from rubber, elastic synthetic resin, or the like. The sealing member 43 has a thickness of, for example, approximately 0.5 mm. In this embodiment, the sealing member 43 is formed to have the same or substantially the same shape as the outer panel 41 and the partition wall 42 when viewed from the front. In this embodiment, the sealing member 43 has a long side in the vertical direction. Furthermore, a hole 70 is formed on the inner side of the sealing member 43, extending through the sealing member 43 from one side to the other along the thickness direction. Through the hole 70, the sealing member 43 becomes a frame or border shape.

[0059] The hole 70 is sized to expose the recess 51 of the outer plate 41 and the membranes 11 and 12 substantially entirely. In this embodiment, the hole 70 is shaped as a generally quadrilateral shape in the vertical direction and in the longitudinal direction. The hole 70 is located at the center of the sealing member 43 in the front view.

[0060] Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 The sealing member 44 shown is formed into a planar shape using a soft component such as fibers made of synthetic resin, i.e., chemical fibers. The sealing member 44 is formed to a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm. In this embodiment, the sealing member 44 is formed to have the same or substantially the same shape as the outer panel 41, the partition wall 42, and the sealing member 43 in the front view. In this embodiment, the sealing member 44 has a length direction in the vertical direction. Furthermore, a hole 71 is formed on the inner side of the sealing member 44, extending through the sealing member 43 from one side to the other along the thickness direction. A grid-like membrane support portion 72 is formed in the hole 71.

[0061] Like the hole 70, the hole 71 is sized to expose the membranes 11 and 12 substantially entirely. In this embodiment, the hole 71 is formed into a generally quadrilateral shape with a length in the vertical direction. The hole 71 is located at the center of the sealing member 44 in the front view.

[0062] The membrane support portion 72 supports the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and the anode-side diaphragm 12, stabilizing their positions relative to the cathode 13 and the anode 14, thus maintaining stable electrolysis. The membrane support portion 72 is disposed on the partition wall 42 side of the orifice portion 71 and inserted into the opening portion 61, i.e., the intermediate chamber 8. In this embodiment, the membrane support portions 72 of the sealing members 44, 44 are located close to or in contact with each other in the intermediate chamber 8. The membrane support portion 72 integrally has a support body portion 72a that is elongated along the vertical direction and a connecting portion 72b that connects these support body portions 72a to each other.

[0063] The support body 72a protrudes from the periphery of the hole 71 of the sealing member 44 toward the partition wall 42.

[0064] The connecting portions 72b connect the support main bodies 72a to each other in a manner that maintains a constant or substantially constant interval between them and is not easily deformed in the thickness direction. The connecting portions 72b are formed at multiple locations along the length direction (vertical direction) of the support main bodies 72a. The vertically arranged connecting portions 72b are alternately positioned relative to the support main bodies 72a on the partition wall 42 side and on the membrane 11, 12 side, which are opposite to them. The thickness of the connecting portions 72b is set to be smaller than that of the support main bodies 72a, and at the opening 61 of the partition wall 42, brine can pass vertically through the intermediate chamber 8.

[0065] And, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cathode outer plate 41a, sealing member 43, cathode 13, sealing member 43, cathode-side diaphragm 11, sealing member 44, partition wall 42, sealing member 44, anode-side diaphragm 12, sealing member 43, anode 14, sealing member 43, and anode outer plate 41b are arranged in a stacked manner in the thickness direction and are pressed together in the thickness direction by fixing units, thereby forming the electrolytic cell 5. The fixing unit is, for example, a bolt or nut. The bolt is inserted through the through hole 73 formed on the periphery of the cathode outer plate 41a, sealing member 43, cathode 13, sealing member 43, sealing member 44, partition wall 42, sealing member 44, sealing member 43, anode 14, sealing member 43, and anode outer plate 41b. The bolt is tightened by screwing a nut onto the front end of the bolt, thereby pressing and holding the partition wall 42 between the outer plates 41, 41.

[0066] Here, in this embodiment, the generating apparatus 1 is provided with a membrane protection structure 75 to suppress damage to the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12.

[0067] The membrane protection structure 75 suppresses damage to the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12 caused by at least one of the physical contact with each part, water pressure, or heat from the cathode 13 and / or anode 14 during electrolysis.

[0068] As a first example of the membrane protection structure 75, it includes a chamfered portion 81 formed in the electrolytic cell 5 that contacts the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12. For example... Figure 1 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the chamfered portion 81 is a portion that suppresses damage to the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12 through physical contact with it. For example, the chamfered portion 81 is formed at the edge of the recess 51 of the outer plate 41 and / or at the corner (edge) of the branch portion 56 opposite to the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12. Furthermore, the chamfered portion 81 may also be arbitrarily formed at the edge of the opening 61 of the partition wall 42 or other portions that can contact the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12.

[0069] Furthermore, as a second example of the membrane protection structure 75, it includes at least one of a supply port 52 for supplying water to the cathode chamber 6 and / or anode chamber 70 in the vertical direction along the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or anode-side diaphragm 12, and a discharge port 53 for discharging electrolyzed water from the cathode chamber 6 and / or anode chamber 7 in the vertical direction along the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or anode-side diaphragm 12. That is, the supply port 52 and the discharge port 53 are portions that suppress damage to the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or anode-side diaphragm 12 caused by water pressure generated by water flow in a direction intersecting with the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or anode-side diaphragm 12.

[0070] Similarly, as a third example of the membrane protection structure 75, it includes the following in the direction along the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and the anode-side diaphragm 12, i.e., the vertical direction. Figure 1 as well as Figure 6 The intermediate chamber 8 shown has at least one of a supply port 62 for supplying brine and an outlet 63 for discharging brine from the intermediate chamber 8 in the up-down direction along the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and the anode-side diaphragm 12. That is, the supply port 62 and the outlet 63 are portions that suppress damage to the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and the anode-side diaphragm 12 caused by water pressure generated by water flow in a direction intersecting with the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and the anode-side diaphragm 12.

[0071] Furthermore, as a fourth example of the membrane protection structure 75, it includes three or more support portions capable of supporting the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12. In this embodiment, Figure 1 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5The branch 56 shown functions as a support. During electrolysis by supplying water to the cathode chamber 6 and / or anode chamber 7, the branch 56 supports the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or anode-side diaphragm 12. By providing three or more branches 56 in the cathode chamber 6 and / or anode chamber 7, the strength supporting the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or anode-side diaphragm 12 is distributed, suppressing damage caused by physical contact between the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or anode-side diaphragm 12 and the branch 56.

[0072] In addition, as a fifth example of the membrane protection structure 75, there is a piping structure, namely a supply piping structure 54, which includes a branch flow path 57 that supplies water equally or substantially equally to the branch sections 56 in the cathode chamber 6 and / or anode chamber 7.

[0073] The supply piping structure 54 includes: an inlet piping section 83 that guides water flowing in from the supply port 52 to the cathode chamber 6 and / or anode chamber 7; and a plurality of branch piping sections 84 that branch water from the inlet piping section 83 to branch sections 56. The inlet piping section 83 is L-shaped and arranged along the short side of the outer plate 41 from the upper part of the supply port 52 located on the side closest to the short side of the cathode chamber 6 and / or anode chamber 7. The inlet piping section 83 has a constant or substantially constant flow path area. The branch piping sections 84 are arranged parallel or substantially parallel to each other in the vertical direction from the inlet piping section 83. The upper end of each branch piping section 84 communicates with the confluence section 59 at a position opposite to each branch flow path 57. The branch piping sections 84 are formed to have a flow path area less than that of the inlet piping section 83, and the flow path area of ​​the branch piping section 84 is larger the further away from the supply port 52 it is. Therefore, the supply piping structure 54 is configured to distribute water flowing from the supply port 52 from the inlet piping section 83 to each branch piping section 84 in an equal or substantially equal manner to the branch flow paths 57 between the branch sections 56. The supply piping structure 54 is a part that suppresses damage to the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12 caused by water pressure.

[0074] In addition, as a sixth example of membrane protection structure 75, there is a discharge piping structure 55 which is a piping structure that discharges electrolyzed water equally or substantially equally from the branch flow path 57 between the branch portions 56 in the cathode chamber 6 and / or anode chamber 7.

[0075] The discharge piping structure 55 has multiple branch pipe sections 86 that discharge electrolyzed water from the cathode chamber 6 and the anode chamber 7, and a discharge pipe section 87 that allows the electrolyzed water to merge from these branch pipe sections 86 and be guided to the discharge port 53. The branch pipe sections 86 are arranged parallel or substantially parallel to each other in the vertical direction. The lower end of the branch pipe section 86 communicates with the merging section 58 at a position opposite to the branch flow path 57. The branch pipe section 86 has a flow path area below the discharge pipe section 87, and is formed such that the flow path area increases with distance from the discharge port 53. The discharge pipe section 87 is bent into an L-shape and arranged along the short side of the outer plate 41, communicating with the discharge port 53 located at the upper part of the side closest to the short side of the cathode chamber 6 and the anode chamber 7. Each branch pipe section 86 is connected to the discharge pipe section 87. Therefore, the discharge piping structure 55 is configured to discharge the electrolyzed water from the cathode chamber 6 and / or the anode chamber 7 from the branch flow path 57 between the branch sections 56 via the confluence section 59 to the discharge port 53 in an equal or substantially equal manner. The discharge piping structure 55 is a part that suppresses damage to the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12 caused by water pressure.

[0076] Furthermore, as the seventh example of membrane protection structure 75, it includes a mechanism to ensure that the saline solution flows evenly or substantially evenly to the membrane. Figure 6 The intermediate chamber 8 shown includes a supply piping structure 64 and a discharge piping structure 65 at positions corresponding to the branch flow paths 57 of the cathode chamber 6 and the anode chamber 7.

[0077] The supply piping structure 64 has an inlet piping section 90 that guides the brine flowing in from the supply port 62 to the intermediate chamber 8, and a plurality of branch piping sections 91 that branch the brine from the inlet piping section 90 to positions corresponding to the branch sections 56. The structure of these inlet piping sections 90 and branch piping sections 91 is the same as that of the inlet piping section 83 and branch piping section 84 of the supply piping structure 54, so detailed description is omitted.

[0078] Additionally, the discharge piping structure 65 has multiple branch pipe sections 93 for discharging brine from the intermediate chamber 8, and a discharge pipe section 94 for merging the brine from these branch pipe sections 93 and guiding it towards the discharge outlet 63. The structures of these branch pipe sections 93 and the discharge pipe section 94 are the same as those of the branch pipe sections 86 and the discharge pipe section 87 of the discharge piping structure 55, therefore detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0079] In addition, as the 8th example of membrane protective structure 75, such as Figure 9 As shown, a protrusion 96 is formed extending from the sealing member 43 beyond the edge of the recess 51 into the cathode chamber 6 and / or anode chamber 7. The protrusion 96 prevents the edge of the recess 51 from contacting the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12. Figure 1The part that is in direct contact with the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12. Figure 1 Physical contact with the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12 is used to suppress contact with the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12. Figure 1 The damaged portion. The protrusion 96 forms the edge of the hole 70, protruding into the cathode chamber 6 and / or anode chamber 7 beyond the edge of the recess 51 by a predetermined distance, for example, 1 mm. It should be noted that, for Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 The sealing component 44 shown can also be arranged according to the opening 61 ( Figure 1 The edge of the hole 71 also protrudes in the same way, with a protrusion 97 at the edge.

[0080] Furthermore, as a ninth example of the membrane protection structure 75, it includes a sealing member 44 that holds the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12 in a position close to the cathode 13 and / or the anode 14. In this embodiment, the sealing member 44 fixes the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12 in a position close to the cathode 13 and / or the anode 14 by sandwiching a membrane support portion 72 between the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12 and the partition wall 42. This stabilizes the position of the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12 during electrolysis, suppresses vibration of the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12, and prevents burns to the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12 caused by contact with the cathode 13 and / or the anode 14. That is, the sealing member 44 is a membrane protection member that suppresses damage to the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12 caused by heat from the cathode 13 and / or the anode 14 during electrolysis.

[0081] Moreover, the generating device 1 can be as follows Figure 12 As shown in (a), it has one electrolytic cell 5 relative to the water supply source, or it can be as follows: Figure 12 As shown in (b), multiple electrolytic cells 5 are arranged side-by-side relative to the water supply source. Figure 12 In the example shown in (b), multiple electrolytic cells 5 are constructed by alternating the arrangement of outer plates 41 and partition walls 42, with each plate continuously overlapping the others. In this case, recesses 51 for forming chambers on both sides are formed in the outer plates 41 located between the partition walls 42. Figure 1 It should be noted that when multiple electrolytic cells 5 are overlapped, it is preferable to provide a throttling section for each electrolytic cell 5 to ensure that the water flowing into chambers 6, 7, and 8 and the water discharged from chambers 6, 7, and 8 are uniform or substantially uniform. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide an anomaly detection device in each electrolytic cell 5 that detects abnormalities such as leakage of brine caused by damage to the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12 based on the electrical characteristics of electrolyzed water, such as resistance value, so as to detect in advance which electrolytic cell 5 has an abnormality in its cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or anode-side diaphragm 12.

[0082] Thus, according to the first embodiment, by having the membrane protection structure 75, damage to the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12 can be suppressed. Therefore, the service life of the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12 can be extended, the frequency of maintenance of the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12 of the generating apparatus 1 can be reduced, and electrolyzed water can be generated at low cost.

[0083] The membrane protection structure 75, by suppressing damage to the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12 caused by at least one of physical contact, water pressure, or heat from the electrodes during electrolysis, reliably protects the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12 in the generating apparatus 1, which uses the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and the anode-side diaphragm 12 to generate and discharge electrolyzed water by supplying water to the cathode chamber 6 and the anode chamber 7 and supplying brine to the intermediate chamber 8, relative to physical contact, excessive water pressure, and heat from the electrodes that may occur during water supply and discharge, electrolysis, etc.

[0084] Specifically, the membrane protection structure 75, by including a chamfered portion 81 formed in the electrolytic cell 5 that contacts the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12, is able to suppress damage to the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12 caused by physical contact with the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12.

[0085] The membrane protection structure 75, by including at least one of a supply port 52 supplying electrolyzed raw water to the cathode chamber 6 and / or anode chamber 7 in the direction along the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or anode-side diaphragm 12 and an outlet port 53 discharging electrolyzed water from the cathode chamber 6 and / or anode chamber 7 in the direction along the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or anode-side diaphragm 12, is capable of suppressing the water pressure (load) applied to the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or anode-side diaphragm 12, and is capable of suppressing damage to the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or anode-side diaphragm 12.

[0086] Furthermore, by arranging a supply port 52 at the lower part of the outer plate 41 and a discharge port 53 at the upper part of the outer plate 41, the outer plate 41 and the partition wall 42 can be alternately overlapped in the thickness direction, thus enabling multiple outer plates 41 and partition walls 42 to be alternately overlapped and compactly constitute multiple electrolytic cells 5.

[0087] The membrane protection structure 75 includes three or more branches 56 formed in the cathode chamber 6 and / or anode chamber 7 and capable of supporting the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or anode-side diaphragm 12. This narrows the space (branch flow path 57) between the branches 56 and makes the branches 56 relatively thin. The branches 56 support the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or anode-side diaphragm 12 with high strength, thereby dispersing the load on the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or anode-side diaphragm 12 and suppressing damage to the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or anode-side diaphragm 12 caused by water pressure, etc.

[0088] By forming the branch 56 into parallel ribs, the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or anode-side diaphragm 12 can be effectively supported, and the water flowing into the cathode chamber 6 and / or anode chamber 7 and the electrolyzed water discharged from the cathode chamber 6 and / or anode chamber 7 can be guided by the branch 56 along the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or anode-side diaphragm 12, respectively, to flow efficiently.

[0089] The membrane protection structure 75, through its piping structure including a supply piping structure 54 that evenly supplies water to the branches 56 within the cathode chamber 6 and / or anode chamber 7, and a discharge piping structure 55, can suppress water pressure deviations between the branches 56 towards the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or anode-side diaphragm 12, and further suppress damage to the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or anode-side diaphragm 12. Furthermore, by setting three or more branches 56, although the space between the branches 56 (branch flow path 57) becomes narrower, water can easily pass through by distributing it evenly or substantially evenly relative to them, ensuring treatment performance.

[0090] The membrane protection structure 75, by including a protrusion 96 extending beyond the edge of the recess 51 into the cathode chamber 6 and / or anode chamber 7, comprises a sealing member 43 that watertightly seals the gap between the outer plate 41 and the partition wall 42. This protrusion suppresses damage to the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or anode-side diaphragm 12 caused by physical contact between the edge of the recess 51 and the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or anode-side diaphragm 12.

[0091] By arranging multiple electrolyzers 5 in parallel with the water supply source, the water purification capacity can be increased to about 5-10 L / min.

[0092] In addition, the membrane protection structure 75 includes a sheet-like membrane protection member, i.e. a sealing member 44, formed of fibers and used to fix the position of the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12, thereby suppressing burns or damage to the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12 caused by heat from the cathode 13 and / or the anode 14 during electrolysis.

[0093] It should be noted that in the first embodiment described above, a sealing member 44 is disposed between each of the membranes 11 and 12 and the partition wall 42, but the embodiment is not limited to this, such as... Figure 13 As shown in the second embodiment, by setting the thickness of the membrane support portion 72 to be larger than that in the first embodiment, for example, to about twice the thickness, and thus disposing it between either of the membranes 11 and 12 and the partition wall 42, the membrane support portion 72 can also function as a membrane protection component by disposing it from the opening 61 to the other of the membranes 11 and 12.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the vertical relationship between the supply ports 52 and 62 and the discharge ports 53 and 63 can also be reversed. That is, the supply ports 52 and 62 can be arranged at the upper part, and the discharge ports 53 and 63 can be arranged at the lower part.

Claims

1. A generating apparatus that uses a diaphragm and a pair of powered electrodes to generate electrolyzed water, characterized in that, The generating device has: An electrolytic cell having multiple chambers separated by the diaphragm; as well as A membrane protective structure that inhibits damage to the diaphragm. The electrolytic cell has the following features: A pair of cover components, the pair of cover components having recesses that divide the chamber; A partition wall having an opening dividing the chamber, the partition wall being sandwiched between the cover component, separating the electrode and the diaphragm; and A sealing member that watertightly seals the gap between the cover member and the partition wall, the sealing member having an orifice and a protrusion, the protrusion forming the edge of the orifice, the protrusion extending beyond the edge of the recess or the edge of the opening into the interior. The protrusion has the function of the membrane protective structure.

2. The generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The membrane protection structure includes a chamfered portion formed in the portion of the electrolyzer that contacts the diaphragm.

3. The generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The membrane protection structure includes at least one of a supply port for supplying water to the chamber in the direction of the diaphragm and an outlet port for discharging water from the chamber in the direction of the diaphragm.

4. The generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The membrane protection structure includes three or more support sections formed indoors and capable of supporting the diaphragm.

5. The generating apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support portion is formed into parallel ribs.

6. The generating apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The membrane protection structure includes a piping structure that provides electrolyzed raw water equally between the supports within the chamber.

7. The generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The membrane protection structure comprises sheet-like membrane protection components formed of fibers that fix the position of the diaphragm.

8. The generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Multiple electrolytic cells are arranged side by side with the water supply source.

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